Factivegrl

With winter literally upon us, it’s only a matter of weeks before you’re on your first snowboarding trip. Whether you’ve been before, or are a first time boarder, this article has relevance to you. When it comes to gearing up for a day on the mountain, 9 times out of 10, we mess it up. You’re either so padded up that you can’t bend down to do up your bindings, or you freeze into a sitting position on the lifts because you’re so cold. It’s seldom you’re in a happy middle ground. Don’t stress, just take this advice, and dress accordingly for the slopes this winter round.

I like to refer to it as layering, in the most non-fashion sense possible. Don’t get caught out just packing on a pile of hoodies and hope to be cosy and comfortable. Layers …

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Ok, maybe ‘cutesy’ is the wrong word. Too preppy and Posh Becks for my liking but I’m thinking that bulky boots, 5 layers, 3 hoodies, goggles and a beanie is not doing much for those hips. You need to find a middle ground in the cold to keep you feeling fly.

I avoid cold places for 2 reasons. 1. I’m crap at snow sports and 2. Dressing for the cold is freaking stressful, there’s just so many layers.

I recently embarked on a ‘cold’ trip and spent 4 of the 5 days indoors, in sub average accommodations. I lay in bed with the heater blaring, ate chocolate, drank hot chocolate and read why celebs don’t eat chocolate. All of this I could have done at home minus, the travel expenditure. So in the name of good faith I have taken it upon …

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A dark and gloomy, dilapidated basement in Shoreditch, London, played host to Volcom sponsored artist, Dashenka Prochazka’s, Fear of Life is Fear of Death Art exhibition last week. An eclectic group of curious people were visually entertained and stimulated by Dashenka’s intense and captivating interpretation of the subject , and also pumped by fresh tunes and fuelled with free drinks, Red Bull and tasty chomps – all the ingredients for a good night out.

I must admit, prior to the exhibition, I wasn’t aware that Volcom was collaborating with artists and thus I was totally unaware of the terrifyingly girlie and super skilled artist, Dashenka Prochazka. After some innocent online research, I discovered that she played base in a band called Goons of Doom, which according to a website that she was part of (called Monster Children …

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I’d like to introduce you to a South African word, that should be used the world over.

Kiff.

Now, this word should not be taken lightly. It should only be used when expressing a feeling of hard-core delight, like ‘Damn your tattoo is so kiff!’ Say it. Come on, say it out loud now, KIFF!

I use American words, UK words – hell I even bust out a few little Swedishisms and a bit of Zulu. Just thought it was time to spread a bit of SA love across the Interweb. Internet. Whatever. Kiff happens to be the only word that I would use to describe road trips. I don’t think there is one part of a road trip I don’t like. Well, except maybe trying to get red wine stains out of all your clothes, and sewing up the holes from climbing …

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Sparrow fart starts, sandy bathtubs and long lost beach towels - we do it all for the love of surfers.

Being the significant other of a surfer is a not a job description just any bimbo can fill. Seriously, on paper it seems like a career path made in endless summer heaven but in all honesty, it’s just as crap as going out with a construction worker… ok maybe not that bad, maybe I am being a touch melodramatic, whatever.

Why the ungratefulness I hear you ask? It’s just that after 8 years of being the hot beach babe and 8 sizzling hot surfer boyfriends later, I’m still waiting for the beach house with the open plan kitchen over looking my local point break. I’m still waiting for that designated area specifically for boards, wet wetsuits, towels, wax combs and the like. And I’m still …

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I don’t know if I’m the only one that has noticed Matix lately, but they are making moves like never seen. Originally rooted in the skateboard market, the Matix girls brand has expanded its ever evolving reach into the rest of the action sports market, focusing on surf and lifestyle images more and more. I started noticing the waves this brand was making not too long ago, but especially in recent months as the images and styling’s have been at the forefront of the girls action sports market. Lucky for me, I can go right to the source, as my good friend Tanya Corrao happens to be the lead designer for the Matix Girls division.

I had the privilege to meet up and Tanya over the past weekend to touch base on our lives, hang out with old friends, …

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Mozambique is a paradise for surfers who crave adventure, with dirt roads, tropical to subtropical climate, wildlife and the thrill of surfing uncrowded epic breaks. It is located on the south east coast of Africa and is best known for its magnificent beaches, abundant seafood, spectacular diving and waves going off everywhere!

If you fly to Durban, South Africa, you can get to Mozambique by driving, flying or sailing. The drive to the border is about 5 hours, and the roads are decent – until you cross the border that is. You buy your visa’s at the border post. If you fly, you really only have one choice of airport to land at, the countries capital, Maputo. It’s a short flight, an hour or so. Be prepared for feral, wild Africa, where time is not a concept and there …

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Whether it’s a snowboard, surfboard or skateboard, boards can rock your world in a way that the male species often can’t. Think of a happy place with no snoring, no late night drunken arguments or ex girlfriend crap… aaah bliss!

1. Boards don’t talk back.
Boards never argue never mind talk back. What you say goes and that’s the final answer.

2. Boards come with specific dimensions that don’t ‘increase’ horizontally with age.
The amazing thing about boards is that they suffer no mid life crisis, no winter bulge or lazy lifestyle. They stay within their dimensions through the good and the bad times.

3. Boards are happy to hang around quietly until you’re ready to use them.
No schedules, no compromises, no sulking. Boards perform when you want on your schedule and according to your routine. No questions asked.

4. Boards are ok with you having other …

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For all of us that came up rocking the fun flirty fashions of Roxy, your beach inspired wardrobe has a new addition that sticks to the same roots. The new Quiksilver women’s line launched for fall 2008 and is targeted at fashion conscious young women ages 18 to 24. It is Quiksilver’s goal to get the brand in bigger surf accounts and fashion boutiques, while giving us surf girls something more to rave about.

A positive message and impact on the environment, Quik stands behind its beliefs as an eco-friendly brand offering many styles in organic cottons. Featuring not only eco friendly fashions, this line gives young women something more sophisticated and diverse as they grow out of the junior surf brands. Launching in Fall is a great way for Quik to give us …

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We have all heard the expression, “When in Rome, do as the Romans” at one point or another in our lives. Back in the Roman era, fashion was not something that was important like it is today. But come a full circle and modern day fashion forward girls are taking styling tips from the heroes of the Roman era, the gladiators.

Gladiator styles shoes are everywhere. I purchased a pair of gladiator sandals after seeing them earlier this summer, thinking they were so fresh and different. Now I cannot go anywhere in Southern California, whether it be day or night, without seeing some form of the gladiator inspired footwear. More often than not you will see them in sandal form, and being from California, where we live in flip flops and flats, these are a great new way to dress up your flips. …

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